5 Herbs That Anyone With High Blood Pressure Needs To Know About

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a risk factor which can increase the risk of developing a heart disease, stroke, and other serious conditions. Only in the U.S., more than 70 million adults are affected by hypertension, which means that 1 out of 3 adults is affected.

Do not forget to mention the fact that one-third of the Americans have prehypertension, a condition characterized by high blood pressure, but not yet HBP. This health problem costs the USA $46 billion a year, including the cost of health care services, treatment, and medications.

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure refers to the increased blood pressure in the arteries usually caused by two main factors:

The heart pumps blood too forcefully

The smaller blood vessels of the body became narrow, thus causing the blood to exert more pressure

Causes of high blood pressure

The most common type of HBP is the Primary Hypertension. It is considered that genetic factors have a critical role in HBP including genes that affect blood pressure control and those that cause abnormalities of the sympathetic nervous system

Secondary Hypertension is a condition usually caused by an underlying medical condition or medications including:

There are many drugs which can be used for treating hypertension such as diuretics, calcium channel blockers (CCBs), beta blockers, Angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARB), and -converting enzyme (ACE). Unfortunately, these drugs cause the individual to feel worse than the disease itself caused him to feel initially.

Diuretics

Treatment: Usually, these drugs are the first treatment prescribed in case of hypertension. They help the kidneys flush out excess water and salt in the body.

For many years, hawthorn was used in the treatment of heart disease. It has powerful antioxidant flavonoids which have the ability to improve blood glow, dilate the blood vessels, and protect them from damage.

Compared to the berries, the buds and leaves of this herb have higher amount of flavonoids. A study showed that individuals who took hawthorn extract for 16 weeks manage to lower the high blood pressure.

Lime Blossom

This herb is extremely effective for treating anxiety. The flowers contain flavonoids, mucilage component, and volatile oil which work together to relieve inflammation. Linden works as a powerful sedative, astringent, antispasmodic and diuretic agent.

Mistletoe

A number of studies proved that mistletoe can neutralize blood sugar levels in people who have diabetes, and can treat cardiovascular disease. It has the ability to relieve arthritic and rheumatic pain as well.

Hibiscus

A study included two groups of male participants aged 30-65 years. The first group was given 250 ml of hibiscus tea while the second one was given only water. After some period of time, the first group experienced significant improvement in inflammation and blood pressure compared to the second one which consumed only water.

Yarrow

Many European countries use yarrow for it potent medicinal properties. It contains flavonoids which can relax the smooth muscles in the uterus and intestine and improve digestion. Its stems, leaves, and flowers are used for lowering blood pressure.